Hi, I recently started working with a new trainer, and she does eventing, jumping, and dressage. Along with other things. She is a Meridith Manor graduate, and a very good trainer and instructor. I am just now getting into english riding, so of course I wont be ready for cc for some time, and my mare will need to get in the whole english riding regime too. But how does she look for cross country? She is a 14.0-1 morgan mare, she has a good work ethic, and loves new sights and being challenged. She quickly bores over things, and needs to be pushed to keep her happy. *I* have lunged her over some jumps, and she got over them fine. I am going to post a link to a video of her being lunged, it is not me lunging her. So please no comments on the lunging. She is a pretty forward horse. And I will attach some photos. Please let me know what you think. She doesn't usually stand under herself, if she is in any of the photos, it is just a fluke of the moment. Please ignore her weird tail in the one or so pics, the flies were bothering her.

She doesn't scream 'event prospect' at me but sometimes a horses natural desire and enthusiasm to do something can outweigh other things that go against it
I don't know about the US but in the UK she'd compete in pony classes at her height and would have to be ridden by a junior rider, I think she'd be at a disadvantage competing in horse classes ridden by an adult

Anyone else? Elana, I would love to hear what you have to say about her and eventing. I have seen many smaller horses, do well in eventing. With adult riders. And I don't want to throw her out of the question on eventing, simply because her size.

I see no reason why she could not do running across the countryside and jumping over jumps. there are all kinds of levels of eventing, with and without jumps, even. Like dressage, any horse can do it, but to be competitive is another story.

the mare is well built, for sure. she has a slightly upright shoulder, and a smallish hip, but the angles match the shoulder. she has good bone and good balance of neck to body. she is one of the "Subarus' of horses; can do about anything reasonably well but is neither a sportscar, nor a full size SUV.

Anyone else? Elana, I would love to hear what you have to say about her and eventing. I have seen many smaller horses, do well in eventing. With adult riders. And I don't want to throw her out of the question on eventing, simply because her size.

She seems nice enough for the job. She probably won't go FEI level, but that would be a long way off for you too. She is down hill and the dressage phase will be harder. She doesn't have the greatest shoulder so you probably will want to take safer routes in Cross Country which will cost you time (and placement).

One thing that I notice is that for eventing she needs better hoof care. Her feet look low heeled and long toed. As you increase the height of the jump, you increase the pressure on her feet. She may need shoes. She is a bit slipper footed. In eventing you may need a farrier every 4 weeks to keep on her feet. VERY important. She can never "go long" because the farrier is not scheduled for the barn.. you may need to spend the money for a special trip. Be aware of this cost!

She seems nice enough for the job. She probably won't go FEI level, but that would be a long way off for you too. She is down hill and the dressage phase will be harder. She doesn't have the greatest shoulder so you probably will want to take safer routes in Cross Country which will cost you time (and placement).

One thing that I notice is that for eventing she needs better hoof care. Her feet look low heeled and long toed. As you increase the height of the jump, you increase the pressure on her feet. She may need shoes. She is a bit slipper footed. In eventing you may need a farrier every 4 weeks to keep on her feet. VERY important. She can never "go long" because the farrier is not scheduled for the barn.. you may need to spend the money for a special trip. Be aware of this cost!

Have fun giving it a go!

Thank you for your eval Elana, I always look forward to yours. I however, discussed it deeply with my trainer today, and I don't think we are going to be doing cross country. I honestly, am not brave enough for all that. And I don't want to push myself to a place where I become timid. As that wouldn't be fair for the mare or me. So now its onto looking at other things to do with her..... What do you think of her as a barrel horse?

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